Coffin.



No. 718,803. y PATENTED JAN. 20, 1903. R. E. VAN PATTEN.

GO'FFIN.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 16, 1902.

N0 MODEL.

Fl 6,3- .i 7

@7k/MJ 7% Ntra STATES ATENT unrest COFFIN.

SPECIFICATION forming 'part of Letters Patent No. 718.803, dated January 20, 1903.

Application filed April 16, 1902.

.To if/ZZ whom it may concern,.-

Be it known that I, ROBERT E. VAN PAT- TEN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Jerome, in the county ofHillsdale and State of Michigan, have invented new and useful Improvements in Cofdns, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a composite coffin; and one ofthe objects thereof is to provide an efficient means for preventing the deterioravrial being cut away to show the construction of the skeleton frame. Fig. 3 is atransverse sectional view through the same. Fig. 4 is a detail perspective view showing how the braces are joined, and Fig'. 5 is a perspective view showing the split ends of one of the braces preparatory to being folded.

In carrying out the invention I rst make a skeleton frame, which forms the mold around which is caused to set the plastic material forming the coffin. Y

The reference-numerals l and 2 designatev two parallel longitudinally-extending bars, at the extremities of which are vertical extensions 3 and4 to form the ends of the frame, the extremities of the vertical extensions 3 and 4 being split longitudinally, as at 5, for a portion of their length to provide lingers, which may be bent in'opposite directions for the purpose of holding the lateral frame thereon to be referred to hereinafter. Y Arranged intermediate the ends of the bars 1 and 2 and secured thereto are parallel, horizontal, and transversely-arranged brace-bars G and 7, which also have vertically-extending ends 8 and 9, which are of' approximately the same length as the extensions 3 and 4 of the bars 1 and 2. The ends 8 and 9 are also split, as at 10, in a manner similar to the ends of the extensions 3 and 4, and also designed for the purpose of holding the frame on the top of Serial No. 103,197. (No model.)

the bars to add rigidity to the structure. It will be noticed that these extended ends 8 and9form.the side brace-bars forthestructure, while the ends 3 and4 add strength tothe ends ofthestructure. In orderthatthe bars maybe held in their relative position and to add rigidity and strength to the coffin, I provide a horizontally-arranged flanged brace 11, which extends around the top of the structure and is provided withalateralflange12,whichextends outwardly, the entire brace 11 being in the form of 'an' angle-iron and is approximately rectangular. In adjusting the brace 11 the vertical portion thereof is seated between the split ends of the vertical extensions 3 and 4 and the split ends ot the vertical extensions 8 and 9 of the bars 6 and 7. The brace is then tied in by bending the fingers 13 of the split ends 1 and 2 on one'side of the brace 11 and over the flange 12 andv by bending the other finger of the flange 12 in the opposite direction. The fingers 14 of the bars 8 and 9 are likewise bent over the brace 11 to securely tie it to the bars 1 and 2 andand 6. Intermediate the ends of the extensions 8 and 9 are arranged longitudinal side braces 15 and 16, which are connected to thevertical extensions of the bars 6 and 7 by bending the fingers 16 and 17 thereof in opposite directions and thence around the extended ends just referred to.

It will of course be understood that the ends of the bars 15 and 16 are split in a manner similar to the ends of the bars 1 and 2, so that the fingers can be caused to embrace the extended ends 8 and 9. The frame thus formed constitutes the form of pattern of the coffin, and the plastic material is molded around the same to complete the body portion. A top is provided to the comu, which comprises a frame 18, approximately rectangular, but conforming to the contour of the brace 11 and having a downwardly-projecting flange 19, which is adapted to fit over said brace when it is desired to seal the coffin. The top or coverof the frame 18 has secured to the end portions thereof two bowed-shaped bars 19a and 20, which extend longitudinally of the frame and are provided with split ends 21, the edge of the frame fitting in the slit, so that the fingers 22 and 23 of the bars 19:t

IOO

and 20 may be bent in opposite directions and over the iianged frame 18 to tie the bowed braces or bars in place. Atransverse bar 24 is arranged intermediate the ends of the frame 1S and is also bowed to extend over the bowed bars 19 and 20. This bar 24 is also provided with split ends 25 and is connected intermediate the ends of the frame by bending lthe fingers formed by the slit 25 in opposite directions to embrace the side bars of the frame 18. By forming the bars 19, 20, and 24 slightly bow-shaped a slightly oval appearance or shape is given to the coffin. The plastic material can be formed over the top, completing the device. The top may be secured upon the cofiin proper by plastic or other means, making it practically an airtight or waterproof receptacle for the body.

It will of course be understood that I reserve the right to use any material for the plastic composition which may seem best adapted for the purpose and that any form of` frame may be employed to suit the prevailing custom without departing from the spirit of this invention.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that a coln constructed in accordance with the above will not be liable to become broken or easily deteriorate, inasmuch as the frame will materially assist in holding the component parts in a homogeneous mass.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. In a skeleton frame means for securing the parts together comprising split ends to form fingers adapted to be bent in opposite directions to unite the parts.

2. A frame for a coffin comprising longitu dinal bars and transverse bars each of the bars having vertically-extending ends and each bar being provided with a split extremity, a brace extending around the top of the bars and fitting in the slitted portions thereof, said slitted portions having fingers which are bent around the frame to secure it to the bars.

3. A skeleton frame comprising longitudinal bars and transverse bars having vertical extensions provided with slitted ends, a brace extending around the top of the bars and having an outwardly-extending flange, the fingers formed by the split ends being bent in opposite directions to embrace the bars and fit over the outwardly-projecting flange.

4. A skeleton frame comprising longitudinal bars and transverse bars having vertical extensions provided with slitted ends, a brace extending around the top of the bars and having an outwardly-extending fiange, the fingers formed bythe split ends being bent in opposite directions to embrace the bars and fit over the outwardly-projecting ange, and flanged side bars connecting the vertical extensions of the transverse bars and also having oppositely-bent fingers to embrace the side bars.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

ROBERT E. VAN PATTEN.

Vitnesses:

JOHN G. MERCER, S. A. MERCER. 

